I have HiRez's hosting software but you can run a server without it.
TribesAscend.exe server MapPackage -seekfreeloading
There are bugs with hosting servers without the Hi-Rez master server, but that can be fixed using the SDK.

ChoiSeung-hyun:

Spoiler: Show

Hmm I don't think you guys realize how much work the leaked dev client needs. The point is, with the SDK you can fix the dev client, but it's missing a lot of functionality and will take awhile to fix. Maybe in a couple months it will be at the point where the community can think of what to add or change, but right now it's in the fixing stage.

re: au/nz tribes community, afaic the crap that happened only involved a handful of vocal grudge-prone troll boys that didn't have the necessary life skills to handle petty disputes on their own and felt the need to make it everyone's problem instead of clicking on 'ignore'. that horse is well and truly beaten to death and this site has zero tolerance on that special kind of excessive trolling. in any case, i don't think it would stop people from checking out an improved version of ta.

yeah, but it's important to note that you and i had a very different ta experience

i was referring to forum, mumble and chat ignore options, not griefing. i've haven't played ta in a very long time so nfi what the current state of pubs/pugs is like these days (if it even exists) but if this sdk does pan out we'll have some options. t1/2 gameplay (aka "an actual fucking sequel") instead of the broken f2p model and batshit weapon balance decisions would go a long way. anyways, it'll need a shitload of work and more than likely won't pan out. we'll see, never say never eh wot?